Monday, June 30, 2008

New Infertility Drugs Can Help Overcome Infertility

There are infertility drugs that you and your partner and doctor can consider depending on what the problem might be. Here is the list of some of the infertility drugs that may help.

* Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) comes in tablet form and is available only with a physician's prescription. Human chorionic gonadotropin is given as an injection, only under a physician's supervision.

* Clomiphene citrate is used to increase the natural production of the hormones that stimulate ovulation in otherwise healthy women. When clomiphene is administered, the body produces higher levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and gonadotropins. These hormones induce ovulation.

* Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is sold under many brand names including Gonic, Pregnyl and Profasi. This hormone stimulates the gonads in both men and women. In men, hCG increases androgen production. In women, it increases the levels of progesterone. Human chorionic gonadotropin can help stimulate ovulation in women.

* Although some people believe that hCG can help lose weight, there is no evidence that this hormone offers any benefit in weight loss programs. It should not be used for this purpose.

* A number of other natural and synthetic hormones are used to induce ovulation. Urofollitropins (Fertinex) is a concentrated preparation of human hormones, while follitropin alfa (Gonal-F) and follitropin beta (Follistim) are human FSH preparations of recombinant DNA origin. Developments in this field are continuous. For example, in June 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a follitropin beta injection in individualized doses for women to self-inject.

* Menotropins (Pergonal, Humegon, Repronex) are given with human chorionic gonadotropin to stimulate ovulation in women and sperm production in men.

Recommended Dosage


The dosage may be different for different patients. The physician who prescribed the drug or the pharmacist who filled the prescription will recommend the correct dosage. You need to follow these directions and not take any more or any less that what is recommended.

Clomiphene must be taken at certain times during the menstrual cycle and patients should follow directions exactly.

Note: Treatment with infertility drugs increases the chance of multiple births.

Having intercourse at the proper time in the woman's menstrual cycle helps increase the chance of pregnancy. The physician may recommend using an ovulation prediction test kit to help determine the best times for intercourse.

People who have certain medical conditions or who are taking certain other medicines may have problems if they take infertility drugs. Before taking these drugs, patients should tell the physician about any of these conditions.

You can also find more info on Infertility and Female Infertilty Treatment. Infertilitytreatmentoptions.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Infertility.

Mass Building Steroids You Need to Know About

When it comes to building mass and strength with the help of legal steroids, there are three compounds, when combined together, can't be beat. Sustinon, Dianobol, and Dekka have been known for decades, as one of the best mass building steroid cycles available. All three steroids work well together and have their own unique properties. Below you will find information about all three and how they are commonly stacked for ultimate results. You can't be without them if you are serious about building muscle mass.

Sustinon

Sustinon, is a combination of 4 different Testosterones in one. It has short acting Testosterone, which provides immediate results, as well as long acting Testosterones. By combining short and long acting Testosterones, a user will not only see faster results, but will see increasing results until the cycle is discontinued. Omandren is a similar steroid as it too uses the same four Testosterones in its blend. A good beginner steroid cycle of Sustinon is 250mg, taken once a week, for 8 weeks. Popular brand names of Sustinon include Organon, Infar, Karachi, Cyctahoh (picture), and Durateston.

Dianobol

Dianobol is a great steroid for immediate mass and strength. A steroid user will see results in only a few days with approximately 5 pounds of weight gain achieved after one week. A user will see some water retention arise from Dianobol if an anti-estrogen is not taken. This steroid is added with Sustinon because it is even faster acting and adds amazing mass and strength. A common Dianobol cycle dosage taking is 25-30mg a day, dividing the dosage into three, and taking it at the same intervals throughout the day. Popular brands of Dianobol are pink pentagon Anabols from Thailand (picture), Naposims from Romania, Bionabol from Bulgaria, Russian dianobol and Ttokkyo dianobol from Mexico.

Dekka

Dekka is a great base steroid for any mass cycle. Dekka is great for adding strength as well as size. Dekka is known for its ability to keep muscle gains after cycling and to relieve joint pain. It is one of the most popular steroids of all time. A common dosage for Dekka is 200-300mg a week for 8-10 weeks. Common brands of Dekka are Norma Hellas, Organon, and Karachi.

Combining these three steroids, a first time user can put on as much as 30lbs over 8 weeks. The user can expect to lose some of the weight due to water retention. Clomid as well as other anti-estrogens should be on hand at all times.

To read complete legal steroid descriptions for the legal steroids mentioned above, visit our main page at http://stacklabs.com/index.php

Alexei Matthews has won the Mr. Texas bodybuilding contest three times and is regarded as an expert on legal steroids. He regularly consults with http://www.stacklabs.com to ensure product safety and effectiveness.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Infertility Treatment for Both Men and Women

It's hard to rear a child, let alone produce one!

This is the status that each infertile couple has to face with every day of their lives not until they pursue infertility treatments. This normally is the classic story. An infertile couple will discover that they are incapable of conception. Then they would have to endure emotional stress because of the condition. They will decide on what to do and will end up at the door of a physician who they think will largely help solve their case. Then the physician will offer infertility treatment options and the story goes on while they seek probable procedures.

Sometimes this story results to success and more often to failure.

They say, infertility is a condition that is totally out of control of the couple. God gives people their wants if they need them. What if a couple wishes for a child and they were not supposed to have one? Will they get it? Well, no one knows actually. The best that the couples can do is to seek medical treatment.

Nearly all infertile couples pursue medical intervention to help them with infertility. Here are some of the methods widely used in the industry.

This infertility treatment has its focus on patients that are capable of ovulation, only their system is a bit impaired. Normally, infertility drugs are used to induce the stimulation of follicles in creating multiple egg cells.

Though known for its effectiveness, ovulation induction still entails risks like the development of ovarian cysts and multiple childbirth. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is rare but once it develops it will cause symptoms like extreme pain around the pelvic area, chest and abdomen, weight gain and several others.

An inexpensive form of infertility treatment is facilitated by means of infertility medications. The typical constituents of this option are the administration of Clomid and Femara, both are known for their efficiency in stimulating ovulation and setting the balance in hormones.

For male patients, there are not as much options as there are in women. For the present, there still exists no technology that will alter the nature of the sperm inside the male's body. The nature we are pertaining to here is the natural state (including the abnormalities) of sperm samples retrieved from the patients. Sperm problems like inability of producing or lack of sperm cells, impaired motility and low sperm count are among the most common. Unfortunately, all that medical science can do is to make the most out of them.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Infertility, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Herbal Supplement - Regulates Ovulation

Ovulatory disorder reckon as the leading reason of childlessness amongst Females of reproductive era. Methodical investigate point out the necessities to adjust starve and way of life in sort to minor the danger of childlessness. Subsequently once more, if the natural world of childlessness is unstructured, here is numeral of traditions to accurate ovulatory disarray childlessness. Use productiveness aromatic plant and reproductive herbal supplement.

Ovulation is generated through the discharge of LH as well as FSH hormones by means of pituitary gland wherever a grown-up ovarian follicle splits and discharge egg middle during the menstrual rotation in sort to originate the procedure of replica. However it take places so as a Female understanding a position of an ovulation because of endocrine disarray known as Polycystic Ovarian disorder, which apparent moreover in occurrence of distorted menstrual rotations or maybe in the deficiency of ovulation for each second. Because of hormonal environment of this circumstance, hormonal blasts medicines for instance Clomid and Repronex are frequently given. Conversely, Because of the connected threat of obtaining Ovarian cancers, a lot of are revolving to normal medication designed for the healing of this disarray. And in spite of the controversy of medicinal practitioners make use of herbal medication, testimony of victorious commencement enclose really been testimony to hold up the efficiency of productiveness herbs and herbal supplements in the reinstatement of reproductive strength. You can find lots of supplement reviews online which will help you a lot to find the accurate one for yourself.

A well-liked productiveness herb is Chaste Tree Berry, an all-purpose feminine energizer recognized for its ability to arouse the construction of progesterone and additional essential hormones. Supplementary productiveness aromatic plant frequently collective with Chaste Tree Berry in a powerful herbal blend or by an herbal supplement formula contain the root of natural Yam, which equally encourage ovulation, a recognized productiveness vaccination, or the Black Cohosh and Korean Ginseng herbs which give support to hormone operation. Females can acquire the similar advantages as of a bottle of herbal add-on, for instance Fertile XX, which has been pre-formulated by homogeneous actions of the above stated powerful herbs.

The primary advantage of a natural supplement method breaks its capability to logically arouse the adrenal organism for the construction of essential hormones related to ovulation plus full time pregnancy. Furthermore, the herbal extracts helps in to accurate hormonal disparity and pick up universal performance by means of the general purpose of ornamental a woman's reproductive fitness.

Read out for Supplement Reviews. Check out Supplement Reviews Blog and Weight Loss Supplements

Friday, June 27, 2008

Irregular Menstruation Can Cause Infertility

It's estimated that about one-third of infertility cases can be attributed to Females.

30 to 40 percent of these cases are caused by irregular or infrequent ovulation and menstruation.

The good news? Nearly all infertility issues caused by irregular menstruation are treatable.

Don't run straight to the Clomid, though. Before automatically treating ovulation problems with fertility drugs, have a doctor rule out any other medical condition which might be causing irregular menstruation. Diabetes, liver diseases, and hormonal imbalance resulting from abnormalities in the thyroid can all cause irregular menstruation.

Along with sperm deficiencies, ovulation abnormalities (specifically, irregular menstruation) account for two-thirds of infertility problems. A condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the more common underlying causes of ovulation problems and/or infertility. It affects approximately 5-10 percent of women in their reproductive years. Symptoms of PCOS include:

- Irregular menstruation, abnormal menstruation, or no menstruation


- Being overweight or obese, sometimes even when dieting and exercising


- Insulin resistance, which could lead to the development of Type II Diabetes


- Hair growth on the chest and/or face, due to increased Testosterone levels


- High blood pressure


- Acne


- High triglyceride levels


- Thinning hair

In the past, due to the sheer variety of PCOS symptoms and a wide range in the severity of these symptoms, PCOS was seldom diagnosed. However, recent medical studies have raised awareness of the condition and several courses of treatment are available.

If you've been diagnosed with PCOS and are trying to become pregnant, your doctor may prescribe you a medicine which will induce ovulation. Overweight PCOS sufferers improve their chances of becoming pregnant by losing weight. If elevated insulin levels are to blame for your PCOS, you may be prescribed medicine which will lower your insulin levels. This will make you ovulate regularly and, in turn, regulate your menstrual cycle and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Unfortunately, there isn't always a clear explanation for irregular menstrual cycles or infertility. Nearly 10 percent of infertility cases go unexplained, although these couples often later succeed in becoming pregnant. External factors like stress often have an effect on ovulation, menstruation, and fertility. Participating in stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga, cutting back on caffeine, or regular exercise can help prevent irregular menstruation. Most importantly, activities like these promote overall health - a must for a comfortable, successful pregnancy!

Helpful information on increasing fertility may be found at ovulex.com

Thursday, June 26, 2008

PCOS Infertility Treatment

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) often results to infertility due to the cyst growth in the ovary. Since the ovarian cells are being replaced by these cysts, it will stunt the growth and release of egg cells therefore, halting your menstruation. So what are the methods for PCOS infertility treatment?

To induce ovulation, doctors often prescribe medications like Clomiphene (Clomid). If the patient does not respond to Clomiphene, they will give hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone) injections to release the eggs. If it still does not work, the doctor usually gives Gonadotropin injections that further make the woman more susceptible for pregnancy.

Other doctors prescribe pills to induce hormones for egg release. The use of metformin (which is insulin sensitive) is often prescribed too.

PCOS is often associated with obesity and Diabetes Mellitus. Consequently, one has to maintain a healthy diet. As much as possible, avoid having too much sugar intake. This will aggravate the PCOS more. It is suggested that you cut off on your carbohydrates and refined sugars. Take only complex whole grains.

Since you are cutting down all your sugars and carbohydrate intake makes you susceptible to hypoglycemia which may lead to another problem. To avoid this, chlorophyll is administered to reduce hypoglycemia without having to increase your glucose level in the body. Other supplements that are classified as insulin resistant are Vitamin B, magnesium, alpha lipoic acid and conjugated linoleic acid. These supplements should be added to your diet.

Furthermore, since stress is also related with hormonal imbalance, it is best that you know how to handle situations that aggravate stress. If you are working, try to relax every now and then. Exercising regularly also lessens the stress.

To augment PCOS infertility treatment, eating healthy also is a plus. Avoid polysaturated fats which are found in junk foods, animals, like veal, beef, pork, lard, lamb, butter, poultry fat, cream, cheese, and whole milk dairy products.

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Charlene J. Nuble is a healthcare professional who loves writing about women's issues, parenting, relationships and other health related stuffs. To learn more about PCOS infertility treatment - Click Here!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A Bodybuilder's Guide To Preventing Acne

Many bodybuilders suffer from acne. Whether it's due to age, high Testosterone levels, the hours of sweating at the gym, or cycling, it's a reality of the sport. The body reacts to androgens and acne is the result. (HCG and Clomid are big offenders.)

Since the purpose of bodybuilding is to make the body look bigger, leaner, and BETTER, a case of bad acne can detract tremendously from a physique. Here are a few techniques that can be used to help stop the pimples from raining on your parade.

- Take frequent showers

- Tan one to two times per week

- Change your shirt frequently - even during long workouts or before engaging in cardio

- Hot shower and Clearasil Soap Scrub immediately after training

- Wash bed sheets once per week

- Locate a DHT (Dihydrotestoreone) blocker or more scientifically called a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor; a natural and well affordable one would be Saw Palmetto, which would also protect your prostate as well...and the more pharmaceutical ones such as Dutasteride- more potent with attendant side effects

- Accutane - a popular mainstream product to look into

- Drink 8 to 16 cups of water per day

- Use lava soap on broken out skin

- Avoid picking at any pimples - the oil on your finger leads to more breakouts.

- Sometimes acne is actually ingrown hairs. An unpleasant but necessary step might be popping them and removing the hair with tweezers.

While it is never a fun or "sexy" discussion, acne affects everyone from teenage newbies to the iron game, all the way up to top professional bodybuilders. Since our skin is effectively the "wrapping paper" for the muscles which make up a great physique, it's imperative that we work as hard on making the skin look good, as we do on the muscles beneath.

Dane Fletcher is the world's most prolific bodybuilding and fitness expert and is currently the executive editor for BodybuildingToday.com. If you are looking for more bodybuilding tips or information on weight training, or supplementation, please visit http://www.BodybuildingToday.com, the bodybuilding and fitness authority site with hundreds of articles available FREE to help you meet your goals.

Couples Suffering from Infertility Can Benefit from Egg Donors

In dealing with Endometriosis, I have come to understand the pain and frustration that occurs with infertility. The feeling of being alone and having no one that understands can be a very lonely one. Luckily, there are many treatments for Endometriosis that can help women become pregnant. Unfortunately, there are other women's health issues that can prevent pregnancy. One of those problems includes women that can't produce healthy eggs.

Previously, there were few options for woman that were unable to produce healthy eggs,. There really wasn't much recourse for women (and their husbands) that were looking to start a family, other than adoption. Most fertility treatments, such as Clomid, didn't help because no matter how many eggs were released, they weren't healthy enough to become fertilized or result in a pregnancy.

In recent years, there has been a surge in fertility treatments, including the use of egg donors. Egg donors are rigorously screened for both health and legal reasons. Both medical and psychological screenings are completed before the donors can qualify. These procedures are in place to protect both the donors and those receiving the donation.

Egg donors are typically young women under the age of 30 that are in excellent health, both mentally and physically. Couples seeking information can turn to the internet. There are many excellent websites that are great resources for both egg donors and couples to utilize.

If you or a loved one are dealing with the frustrations of infertility due to poor egg quality, consider an egg donor. There are so many options and alternatives for women with fertility problems - egg donation can be an answer to prayers.

Eva has struggled with fertility problems due to her endometriosis, and has become very interested in finding out more about infertility and solutions, and more specifically, the egg donation industry. She has spent much time researching and studying different types of fertility treatments, and enjoys studying the latest methods of treatment.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Female Infertility Treatments

Once the probable causes of infertility have been identified, treatments can begin. If irregular ovulation or lack of ovulation is the problem, ovulation may be induced with medication. These medications are the well-known fertility drugs. It is important to remember that these fertility drugs are helpful only if the infertility is caused by a problem with ovulation, but cannot help at all if the infertility is caused by something else.

The most commonly used medication to induce ovulation is called Clomid (clomiphene citrate). Through its effect on the hypothalamus, clomiphene citrate stimulates a release of FSH and LH from the pituitary. FSH and LH are the hormones that act on the ovary to cause the ripening and release of eggs. The medication is taken in the form of a pill for five days during the month. Minor side effects include hot flashes and lower abdominal discomfort. Clomiphene citrate substantially increases the chances of having twins by stimulating two eggs to ripen instead of one. It increases the chances of having triplets and quadruplets only minimally.

In the cases when Clomid doesn't work, a second type of fertility medication must be used. This medication is called Pergonal (or human menopausal gonadotropin) and must be given by injection every day until ovulation occurs. This treatment is both costly and time-consuming and a woman must be closely watched for any adverse side effects. By causing several eggs to ripen at one time, the use of this medication can result in triplets or quadruplets. Ultrasound monitoring and hormone testing have helped lower the numbers of unwanted multiple births. Serious side effects of Pergonal include large ovarian cysts and massive shifts in body fluids.

Problems with the fallopian tubes may be treated surgically. The fallopian tubes may have been blocked as a result of a congenital abnormality, scarring subsequent to a previous pelvic infection or to endometriosis, or previous pelvic surgery. Sometimes the fallopian tubes themselves are normal, but adhesions surrounding them prevent the egg and sperm from meeting.

There is a reasonable chance that the surgical removal of the adhesions will improve fertility. Unfortunately, when repairing the fallopian tube requires major reconstructive surgery (tuboplasty), the success rate is much lower. Even when it is possible to open the fallopian tubes, tubal function does not always return to normal and the infertility may persist. Frequently operating microscopes, very fine instruments and lasers are used to improve the success rate of tubal surgery.

An experimental procedure that may eliminate the need for surgery in some cases of blocked fallopian tubes has been adapted from a technique used to unclog coronary arteries. A catheter carrying a small balloon is threaded through the uterus into the blocked tube. When the balloon is inflated, the fallopian tube is stretched and the obstructive tissue is washed out.

Other treatments are available for other specific causes of infertility. For example, treatment of a genital infection may correct the infertility, especially if the partner is treated simultaneously. Sometimes problems with the cervical mucus may be treated by the administration of low doses of estrogen.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Infertility

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Information On The Legal Designer Steroid Know As Epistane

Epistane

Other brand names:

Epistane , Havoc, Hemaguno

What is Epistane?

Epistane is one of the newest designer steroids on the market today, and it is gaining attention very quickly. Epistane is actually a methylated version of the controlled substance Epitiostanol (2�,3�-Epithio-5�-androstan-17�-ol), which was created in the 1960's and used as a treatment for breast cancer. Since the only place Epitiostanol is only availabe at this time is in japan, chemists added a methyl group to the compund and the final product was a substance now known as Epistane. Epistane is a sulfur containing steroid which is known to have strong and long lasting anti-estrogenic activity as well as weak androgenic and mytropic activities.

What you can expect?

Since it is designed to be anti-estrogenic you can expect very dry gains from this compound. Epistane has low androgenic to anabolic activity. This meaning that it is much more anabolic then androgenic. Thus making sides very minimal to non existant from this substance. Also one of the great properties of this substance is that it does a great job in keeping the natural suppression of the gonads away. Since it has anti-estrogenic properties it keeps your LH levels elevated and it is also said both through science and human trial that epistane may have the ability to reduce gyno. This is still a widely debated outcome of epistane but is actually showing more and more positive results as it becomes more popular. Even though users will see dry gains on epistane it does not mean that it would be any insufficient for a bulking cycle. In fact it would be beneficial because it would generate lean gains. Through research it is reported that most users who have taken this substance have gained anywhere from 5-12 lbs in a 3-5 week cycle. Now in my opinion epistane would be better in a cutting cycle to keep the body dry while preserving and potentially add more lean muscle tissue.

Dosing:

Most users run epistane for 1-6 weeks using a dose between 10 and 60 mgs.

You should not run this substance for longer than 6 weeks.

A recommended beginner cycle would be starting at 10 mgs for the first 2 days of the cycle and then running it like this for the rest of the cycle.

Week 1: 10 mgs for the first 2 days then increasing the dose to 20 mgs.


Week 2: 20 mgs


Week 3: 30 mgs


Week 4: 40 mgs- This week should be optional depending on how your body reacts.

While taking epistane you should be aware that it is a methylated compund therefore you should not exceed the proper dosing.

What needs to be taken with Epistane?

Even though epistane has very minimal side effects, you should still use the proper support supplements to make sure your body stays in good health throughout the cycle. Since Epistane is methylated, milk thistle is highly recomended to protect the liver values. It would also be wise to get blood work done after completing a cycle.

Red Yeast Rice- This product is a Fermented Rice product that basicly protects your cardiovascular system from any damage Sostonol that may come from Sostonol.

Celery Seed- Acts as an anti-oxidant which helps reduce blood pressure and also can aid the liver on cycle.

Hawthorne Berry: Also very useful to lower BP and keep it on check. A great on cycle supplement.

Dosage 1000mg ed on cycle.

Milk Thistle (80% standardized Silymarin)- This should be taken all the way through. It should be started as a pre load and be taken all the way through PCT(Post Cycle Therapy).

Also you may want to look further into these products to help with blood pressure and cholesterol regulation / liver and support:

Liver: K-R-ALA, NAC ( N-Acetyl-Cysteine), Lecithin

Cholesterol: Sesathin, Guggul, CoEnzyme Q10*, Flax Seed Oil, Safflower Oil*, Policosanol*, Niacin, Garlic, Pantethine

Blood Pressure: Coenzyme Q10, Garlic ,C-12 Peptide, high-dose vitamin B6 and vitamin C.

Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)

Even though epistane does have anti-estrogenic properties, it does not mean that PCT should be avoided. A proper SERM will make sure that your natural hormone levels are back where they were before the cycle.

Here I have outlined the basic Clomid and Nolvadex doses for a proper cycle of Sostonol.

Basic Post Cycle Therapy:

Note: You only need to use one of these serms.

Clomid:


Day 1: 300mg


Day 2-11: 100mg daily


Day 12-21: 50mg daily

Clomid:


week 1: 150mg


week 2: 100


week 3: 50


week 4: 50

If you do not want to use Clomid then:

Tamoxifen:


Week 1 (or 2): 40-50 mg daily.


Week 2 (or 3) through week 4 (or 5): 20-25mg daily.

Tamoxifen:


week 1: 40mg daily


week 2: 40mg daily


week 3: 20mg daily


week 4: 20mg daily

Conclusion:

I would definitely recommend epistane for both amateur and experienced AAS users because of it's greal lean muscle building properties. Even though it is a great substance to use on its own, I think it would be beneficial to add another substance like Prostanozol, or 1,4 AD which is not a methyl and stack the two. The reasoning behind using a non-methyl while stacking is because epistane is already metyhlated and could be dangerous if used with a methylated Prohormone/Designer Steroid like Superdrol or Halodrol.

We at http://www.hormone-expert.com have no affiliation with IBE or any of the companys which make the products that we write about. All information here is real and written for the benefit of our users.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Anovulation and Infertility

Many women have abnormal or irregular periods. If infertility becomes an issue, then these irregular periods may be a sign that you are not ovulating normally. If you are not ovulating at all, it is referred to as anovulation.

Many things can affect your ovulation ability. Certain diseases such as diabetes and liver disease can stop you from ovulating. There are also a number of glandular disorders that can halt ovulation. There may be adhesions or other complications with the ovaries themselves. Whatever the reason, it is important to work closely with an infertility specialist to rule out certain disorders before continuing with hormonal treatments for anovulation.

Fertility drugs such as Clomid are fairly effective in stimulating ovulation. The purpose of fertility drugs like Clomid is to block the effects of estrogen in the body. When estrogen is blocked, it simulates the natural drop in estrogen that should be occurring, but may not be, in your body. When estrogen drops, your body produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones stimulate the ovaries into ovulating.

Multiple ovulations are common and sometimes multiple births can be expected. Your doctor will monitor the effects of the fertility drugs and adjust the dosage to best suit your needs. Generally, you will start out low and increase over six months until you become pregnant. Different medications may be prescribed if the first one does not seem to be effective.

Some fertility drugs stimulate the ovaries and others actually mature the egg so that it can be released. When given in combination with each other, these can be very effective. Most fertility drugs are administered by injection, sometimes daily, and some are taken orally. Your infertility doctor will take regular blood tests and perform many ultrasounds to monitor your egg development.

Some problems that can occur include bloating and fatigue, irritability and headaches. Sometimes infertility drugs can alter cervical mucus and actually make it a hostile environment for sperm. In this case, artificial insemination can be used to bypass the cervix and fertilize the egg in utero. Intrauterine Insemination, IUI, is the most common form of artificial insemination. This is where sperm is introduced directly into the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes, bypassing any cervical problems that may be present.

In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the body produces too much Testosterone and develops an insulin resistance. This causes ovulation not to happen. Your doctor may provide fertility drugs to combat these effects and start ovulation again.

The goal of using fertility drugs to combat anovulation is to get your cycle back on track and get ovulation started. Talk to your infertility specialist about what options may be available to you.

This information is provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.

About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC. Dr. Eric Daiter MD provides information regarding infertility causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Help For PCOS In A Nutritional Supplement?

Medical research is discovering that selected nutritional supplements can be helpful for some women who have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). PCOS is a complex glandular and metabolic disorder that affects 6%-10% of women of reproductive age.

Symptoms of PCOS include infertility, weight gain, acne, excess hair, hair loss, and depression. There is an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and possibly some cancers.

Conventional therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome includes birth control pills, medications and surgery. However, these methods do not provide a conclusive cure for PCOS.

Fortunately, there are natural therapies available that any woman can use such as a healthy diet, plentiful exercise, stress management and nutritional supplementation. One of the nutritional supplements worth considering is NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine).

NAC is a derivative of cysteine, an amino acid found in high protein and other foods. NAC is not found in the diet but is available as a nutritional supplement. It is also available as a FDA-approved prescription drug.

Some medical studies suggest that NAC could have the following health benefits for PCOS women.

It is also available as a FDA-approved prescription drug. Some medical studies suggest that NAC could have the following health benefits for PCOS women.

1) NAC reduces undesirable insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the inability to efficiently utilize the hormone insulin and is now thought to be a primary cause of PCOS. So anything you can do to reduce insulin resistance helps to relieve PCOS symptoms, improve fertility odds, and reduce future risk of diabetes and heart disease.

2) NAC lowers homocysteine. Homocysteine is a blood protein. A normal amount is OK. But women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have higher levels. An excessive level of homocysteine is toxic and is associated with heart disease and other health problems.

3) NAC improves the effectiveness of Clomid, a fertility drug. Clomid is often the first thing your doctor will give you if you are trying to conceive.

4) Acting as an antioxidant, NAC may provide reproductive support and improve egg quality.

NAC is considered safe. Consult with your doctor before taking NAC, especially if you are taking the drug metformin. If you are taking a substantial dose of NAC, you may need to reduce the dosage of metformin. Although NAC has not been shown to have any adverse effect on the fetus, you should check with your doctor before taking NAC if you are pregnant. Do not take NAC while also taking nitroglycerin.

How much NAC should you take? The answer to that question depends on your unique health profile and needs. It's best to consult with a qualified health professional for the dose most appropriate for you.

Bill Slater and Dr. Nancy Dunne are co-authors of The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility.Visit http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/nac.html to get more information about NAC.Bill Slater is the former co-founder of an integrative medicine clinic and consultant to naturopathic physicians. He has 25 years experience in the holistic health field. Dr. Nancy Dunne is a licensed primary care physician in Missoula, Montana. Since 1989, her specialty is natural medicine for improving women's health, especially PCOS and infertility.

Femara as an Efficient Form of Infertility Treatment

There are two conditions that will identify if there is any need of using infertility drugs. One, if the woman is unable to ovulate therefore there is a need for assisted development of the egg cells. And second if there is a need to increase the chances of pregnancy when a patient already has the capability to ovulate. These are termed as ovulation and superovulation respectively.

Letrozole or Femara is the most recent addition in the long list of infertility medications found in the market today along with already-established medications that come in names like Clomid or Serophene and Gonadotropins.

Letrozole, (the brand name of which is Femara) is primarily a drug used by breast cancer patients. But recently, it came into use in the infertility industry.

In the recent years, Femara has been one of the most efficient infertility drugs. However, recent studies suggest that it is somehow associated with low number of birth defects. Birth defects arise when Femara is used during the period of pregnancy. Yet when administered before the establishment of pregnancy, no adverse consequences are found. Nonetheless, the manufacturer of Femara accepted absolute responsibility over those cases that ended up with birth defects.

Femara works by suppressing the production of estrogen. Thus, creating the effect of producing more hormones that work solely for ovarian stimulation. These hormones namely LH and FSH help in both the processes of ovulation induction and superovulation. As a result, Femara has become widely accepted as an infertility drug.

Treatment using Femara have shown substantially higher rates of success as compared with those produced by other drugs like Clomid. In fact, it is known that while patients have failed to ovulate using other medications, there are still possibilities that they will do when Femara is administered in their case.

Common Side Effects of Femara

  • Breast tenderness

  • Headaches

  • Hot flashes
  • Advantages over other major infertility drugs

    So far, researches show no cases of miscarriage in women employing Femara in their infertility treatment. Only, the manufacturer advises that once pregnancy commences, the use of the medication must be automatically stopped.

    Unlike with Clomid, Femara is readily released from the body. Thus producing no other effects that might affect the tissues and other organs in adverse manner.

    When administering Femara, there is usually 60 to 80% increase in ovulation possibility. Nonetheless, assurance of pregnancy is decreased by half.

    Women who are able to ovulate normally take 1 tablet of Femara a day. But this dosage may increase depending on the capability of the body to react to the medication.

    This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Infertility, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com

    Tuesday, June 17, 2008

    Choices on Infertility Drugs

    Infertility drugs are normally employed in conjunction with other infertility techniques when a couple or a person is diagnosed of infertility.

    Since infertility by nature is a complex condition, many methods are required before any possible diagnosis is created. Without the extensive and comprehensive procedures that delve into even the smallest details of the condition, diagnosis may be impossible. Thus the impossibility of creating a treatment program for the patients.

    If in case a woman is said to have problems associated with ovulation, it is likely that she would be prescribed of ovulation infertility drugs. The main underlying principle of which is for ovulation stimulation.

    The initial step may be marked with the use of clomiphene. If this doesn't work, the patient may move to more advanced form of treatment like the use of HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin that is normally employed in combination with other infertility drugs.

    Clomiphene or Clomid while being more popular with Female infertility treatment is also used as an effective prescription with male-associated infertility. Clomid is the pioneer in the industry. While its use may be traced for as far as some thirty years ago, no major complications are yet discovered that are closely connected with the use of the drug. In fact, cases of birth defects, complications in pregnancy and difficulty of labor are not evident when this infertility drug is used.

    Clomiphene is a prescription-only drug, which appears in tablet forms. HCG, on the other hand, is used only as injection under the strict guidance of a physician.

    Administration of Clomid will increase the presence of hormones responsible in ovulation. It affects the workings of the four major reproductive hormones namely follicle stimulating hormone or FSH, luteinizing hormone or LH, estradiol and gonadotropins.

    HCG is sold under brand names like Profasi, Gonic and Pregnyl. This works on both male and women infertility. For males, HCG increases the production of androgen while it helps release more estrogen in women.

    HCG is linked with weight loss though. However, there are still no evidences that will prove these assertions. Thus, the use of HCG in such programs is questionable.

    Other synthetically prepared hormones like Urofollotropins are used in inducing ovulation.

    Reminders:

    When under an infertility drug treatment, be sure to disclose all necessary details to your physician. These include information like medical history, other drugs presently used, details on known origin of infertility like childhood diseases and ailments and others.

    This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Infertility, please visit infertility.articlekeep.com

    Monday, June 16, 2008

    NaProTechnology In The Ovulation Toolbox

    NaProTechnology is a new approach in obstetrics and gynecology based on the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning (NFP). With this revolutionary new approach of understanding and treating the menstrual cycle, we have new ways of addressing problems of the menstrual cycle. One area where NaProTechnology is particularly helpful is when problems of ovulation occur.

    The Conventional Approach

    The conventional concept of an ovulation disorder is when there is a failure to produce an egg which can then combine with the sperm to achieve pregnancy. Why does this occur? Some women produce excessive prolactin, a hormone which is normally used to produce breast milk. High levels of prolactin prevent ovulation. This can be corrected with a drug called Parlodel which reduces the prolactin level.

    Other women may be hypothyroid, meaning they produce limited amounts of thyroid hormone (an oversimplification). The brain tries to stimulate the thyroid gland with thyroid stimulating hormone, which may be elevated in hypothyroidism. Treatment with thyroid medication can correct this problem. If none of the above applies, then ovulation can be stimulated either with an estrogen antagonist (blocker) called Clomid, or with protein hormones which directly stimulate the ovary, which are called gonadotropins. Finally, if all else fails, IVF may be offered.

    NaProTechnology

    NaProTechnology is more comprehensive, because the goal is not only to achieve ovulation, but to achieve good ovulation. By correcting defective physiology, either medically or surgically, the artificial reproductive technologies such as IVF are not necessary. And with this new and broader approach, we are able to develop a much wider range of treatment modalities to help with more subtle difficulties in ovulation. I will bring a few of these ideas together under the title of "The Ovulation Toolbox."

    The traditional drug of ovulation stimulation is Clomid. Clomid is a weak estrogen agonist (enhancer) and partial estrogen antagonist (blocker). It binds to its target site, but only acts weakly. Thus, if no estrogen is around at all, Clomid acts as an estrogen agonist since it will cause more estrogen action than none at all. On the other hand, if a large amount of estrogen is around, then Clomid acts as an estrogen antagonist since it occupies the receptor and causes only a weak response. This drug causes side effects and does not always work. Even worse, and perhaps critical, is the decrease of cervical mucus that is caused by Clomid.

    Understanding the selective action of estrogen is essential, because when it doesn't work, there are other selective estrogen receptor modulators could also be used to stimulate ovulation. Another option would be Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is also an estrogen antagonist which is a reason why it is used to prevent breast cancer, and also stimulate ovulation like Clomid. Although Clomid can cause thinning of the endometrium, Tamoxifen may actually stimulate growth of the endometrium and there may be better mucus production.

    We can also look to other situations of ovulation compromise, one such common cause occurs in women who do excessive amounts of exercise. When they do excessive amounts of exercise and lose too much weight (for example marathon runners or belly dancers) they may stop ovulating and stop having menstrual periods. A potential mechanism for this can be excessive release of corticotropin releasing hormone which is the brains response to excessive stress. This results in an increased production of natural opioids called endorphins. Endorphins cause reduced production of gonadotropin releasing hormone, which is what stimulates the ovaries, and therefore, the result is reduced ovulation. This mechanism could be blocked with a drug called Naltrexone, which is a weak opioid blocker. It can result in increased ovulation and increased cervical mucus.

    The ideas presented here are just the beginning. NaProTechnology focuses attention on natural procreative techniques that cooperate with the menstrual cycle. This broadening of perspective leads new and novel mechanisms by which ovulation can be treated, only a few of which have been described. These treatments can be entered into The Ovulation Toolbox.

    --Paddy Jim Baggot, M.D.

    Copyright 2006 Paddy Jim Baggot

    About The Author
    Paddy Jim Baggot, MD is a Catholic Physician who is a board certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Geneticist specializing in preconception health and NaProTechnology, which is a new reproductive science for assisting couples to conceive naturally without the use of artificial reproductive techniques. To read more from Doctor Baggot visit: http://www.majella.us

    Sunday, June 15, 2008

    Clomid, Metformin and PCOS

    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a serious health condition for women that can lead to an unbalanced hormone output, irregular menstrual cycles, fertility issues, changes in one's physical appearance, as well as problems with her heart and blood vessels. The cause of PCOS is unknown and many physicians believe that a combination of causes likely contribute to the overall condition. Some of these likely causes are heredity, genes, insulin, body chemistry and even weight. Additionally, it is not known if the disease is caused by one factor or a combination of issues.

    Women who suffer from PCOS often exhibit the same symptoms:

    - High levels of androgens, which are sometimes called male hormones. Please note that it is not uncommon for Females to produce these male hormones but not in high levels as they occur in women with PCOS.

    - Infertility

    - Irregular or missed periods

    - Many small ovarian cysts

    - Acne, dandruff or oily skin

    - Weight gain

    - Diabetes

    - High blood pressure and cholesterol

    - Thinning or balding hair

    - Thickened or blackened skin on the necks, arms, breasts and/or thighs

    - Pelvic pain

    - Anxiety or depression

    - Sleep Apnea

    It is estimated that as many as one in ten women suffer from PCOS and it can occur in girls as young as ten. PCOS is also the most common reason Females cannot get pregnant. Early diagnosis allows a Female to treat the disease as fully as possible.

    PCOS is a common cause of infertility because affects a woman's ability to ovulate. Typically, the easiest way to treat women who are not ovulating (because of PCOS or something else) is to give them medication that helps them ovulate.

    This is where Clomid and Metformin comes in.

    The two most common forms of medication prescribed for women with PCOS are Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Metformin (a diabetes drug). The goal of these drugs is to aid women in ovulation and thus make them able to conceive. The two drugs can be used separately or in combination.

    Recent studies have been conducted to determine using Clomid separately, Metformin separately, or both in combination, were better for women with PCOS. These were conducted by the makers of the drugs but one independent study by the New England Journal of Medicine looked at the same issues and came to several interesting conclusions. Most studies indicated that the best first line defense for women who have problems ovulating due to PCOS, is Clomid.

    The pregnancy rate for women taking Clomid was 22.5%. The pregnancy rate for women taking Metformin was 7.2%. Groups taking both together had more ovulations, but pregnancy rates were not significant enough to make taking them in combination a better option than just taking Clomid. The rates of pregnancy success were the same in all groups tested.

    No drug, no matter how good, is complete without side effects. Individuals who take Clomid sometimes suffer from mood issues, headaches, hot flashes, ovarian enlargement and hostile cervical mucous. Your doctor can prescribe other drugs to combat the side effects, including over the counter drugs. Discussing your options with your doctor is the surest way to discover if Clomid can help you with your PCOS and infertility issues.

    For additional information on PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, please visit http://www.polycystic-ovarian-syndrome.net

    Friday, June 13, 2008

    Fertility Drug Basics for Women

    Many couples experience the pain and heartbreak of infertility. If you have been trying to get pregnant with no success, your doctor may recommend fertility drugs as a first step. For many, this is a frightening prospect.

    There are mainly two categories of fertility drugs for women, injected and non-injected. Some of the more popular non-injected drugs include Clomiphene citrate, better known as Clomid, Synarel, a nasal spray, and Crinone, an intravaginal gel. The most popular, Clomid, is used when the reproductive system is operating, but ovulation is erratic. It works by stimulating the brain to produce the hormones needed to get eggs released from the ovaries each month. Since Clomid is fairly complication-free, it is considered relatively safe, although a small percentage of some women due develop ovarian cysts during use. The most common side effects are hot flashes, changes in menstrual flow and irritability.

    Injectable fertility drugs are mainly Gonadotropins, containing two different types of hormones that work directly on the ovaries to stimulate egg release. Some of the brand names of these drugs are Pergonal, Reprones, Fertinex, Follistim, and Pregnyl. These are injected on a schedule determined by your fertility specialist. Minor side effects of these drugs can include redness, swelling and itchiness at the injection site, headaches, nausea, vomiting and breast pain.

    These drugs have been in use for more than 30 years, with great success. However, use of fertility drugs can increase your chance of multiple births, which in turn can increase your risk for other pregnancy complications like premature labor and miscarriage. About 10% of women using Clomid have multiples. 10 to 40% of women using gonadotropins have multiple births.

    For any couple experiencing difficulty conceiving, fertility drugs are a relatively safe beginning step in fertility treatment.

    Maria writes for Pregnancy Due Date, a site that tries to information for expectant mothers. For more great pregnancy articles, visit our Pregnancy articles archive.

    Thursday, June 12, 2008

    Fertility Drugs And Hair Loss

    The birth of a child is often the most important miles stone in a person's life, especially a woman's. For some women, getting pregnant is extremely difficult and after consulting with fertility specialists they end up on a regimen of medications designed to regulate and hopefully correct irregularities in the ovulation cycles. With this goal in mind, women are doing any thing and everything possible to improve their chances of conception and giving birth to a healthy child.

    To increase the chance of conception, many women are taking the drug Clomid or Clomiphene citrate in spite of the rumors that it has the potential to cause hair loss. For most women, the possibility of hair loss is insignificant compared to the potential for becoming pregnant. If you are concerned about hair loss as a possible side effect of Clomid or Clomiphene citrate, then you may be interested in learning about other potential side effects as well. One of the most common side effects of Clomid is its potential for causing multiple births; that is twins, triplets or even quadruplets and quintuplets. This could be potentially good news for couples who want to have more than one child.

    Studies have also shown that aside from the increased potential for multiple births the other potential side effects are numerous may include acute abdominal discomfort, bloating, increase in appetite, dermatitis or rashes, depression, diarrhea, dizziness and fatigue. As for the big question, can Clomid cause hair loss, the answer is yes. Hair loss is one of the many potential side effects .

    If after considering all of the potential side effects of Clomid or Clomiphene citrate you are still interested in pursuing it as an option for increasing your chances for conception, it is time to discuss the mater with your physician. Discuss your options and ask about alternative medications or methods that may also offer increased potential for pregnancy with potentially fewer side effects. Remember, your goal is to conceive and give birth to the health child or children of your dreams.

    You can find additional hair loss tips at: How To Stop Hair Loss. There are many options for Hair Loss Treatments at http://Hair-Loss.Teach2.Us

    Wednesday, June 11, 2008

    Testosterone Production

    Clomid works by competing, or binding, with estrogen receptors at the hypothalamus. When these receptors are occupied, the hypothalamus "measures" lower estrogen levels and thus releases GnRH, which causes the pituitary to increase FSH production. Clomid and HCG are also occasionally used periodically during a steroid cycle, in an effort to prevent natural Testosterone levels from diminishing. In many instances this practice can prove difficult however, especially when using strong androgens for longer periods of time.

    Bodybuilders find that a daily intake of 50-100 mg of clomiphene citrate over a two week period will bring endogenous Testosterone production back to an acceptable level. Clomid will gradually raise Testosterone levels over its period of intake. Bodybuilders seldom report any problems, but listed possible side effects do include hot flashes, nausea, dizziness, headaches and temporarily blurred vision. Such side effects usually only appear in Females however, as they feel the effects of estrogen manipulation much more readily than men.

    Estrogen is responsible for a number of anabolic factors such as increasing growth hormone output, upgrading the androgen receptor and improving glucose utilization. This is why aromatizing steroids like Testosterone are still best suited for maximum muscle gain. Estrogen as well inhibits the production of natural Testosterone, and in the period between the return of natural Testosterone and the end of a cycle, a lot of mass is lost. So its in everybody's best interest to bring back natural test as soon as humanly possible and the use of Clomid is a very good choice for this.

    Learn more about Clomid

    Tuesday, June 10, 2008

    Clomid for Infertility: What You Must Know

    Clomid as an infertility drug is considered to be the cornerstone of all other medications that have followed the trend. While many years have passed since Clomid was first introduced into the market, it is still the same drug as it was before that most infertile couples come in contact with initially before everything assumed their places in the industry.

    Clomid, an infertility drug that appears in other names like CC, Clomiphene citrate, Serophene or simply Clomid is considerably inexpensive as compared with the brands that have invaded the market recently. Its main uses are focused on ovulation problems by means of oral consumption rather than via injection.

    While it was produced several years earlier than its predecessor, the workings of the drug still facilitate in a very complicated fashion but with desirable potency. It does not have effects on women whose ovaries have already reached the termination of their use. Nonetheless, Clomid is still a very potent drug when it comes to inducing satisfactory effects on all estrogen receptors. Thus, it has the capacity of creating reactions on all body tissues, which contain estrogen receptors.

    Tissues lying in organs like cervix, endometrium, pituitary, vagina and hypothalamus are some for which its known effects are working.

    Clomid is also useful in assessing the possibility of using the potential ovary reserve in a Female. And it is also utilized for patients with defects on their luteal phase.

    Clomid, aside from its efficiency in working with estrogen, also has the property of influencing the functions of other four major and vital hormones in infertility namely GnRH, LH, FSH and estradiol.

    Although we still have no complete understanding of the exact manners by which Clomid conducts its processes, it still seem pretty obvious that its major effects in the brain is to fool it into believing that the estrogen level of the system is low. Thus bringing a domino effect of releasing more hormones to compensate for the lack of hormones for which infertility is said to have rooted.

    The effect of this normal reaction is to make the system a feasible environment for ovulation.

    The known side effects though of using Clomid in aid of fertility are the following:

  • Multiple pregnancy

  • Ovarian enlargement

  • Pelvic and abdominal discomfort

  • Bloating or distention

  • Breast discomfort

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding

  • Visual symptoms like appearances of waves, floaters, lights and etc.
  • While there may be side effects like these, Clomid is still clear of having any association with increase of congenital abnormalities, complications in pregnancy, birth defects appearing in children and premature labor.

    This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on infertility, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com